Have you been waking up feeling exhausted, even after eight hours of sleep? Do you spend time at the office feeling lost in fogginess or general fatigue, regardless of how much rest you are getting each night? Also, have loved ones complained about how loud your snoring has become, or told you that you seem irritable or even depressed, lately? Many people do not realize that these could all be related symptoms, namely side effects of a dangerous medical condition known as Obstructive Sleep Apnea. OSA occurs when a patient’s soft tissues block the airway as he or she sleeps, causing oxygen flow to momentarily stop. This can happen a few or even a hundred times a night, and over time it can lead to a host of medical-related issues, as well as a general lack of quality rest. Fortunately, many dentists now offer treatments that can help address the cause of OSA, so patients can begin to sleep more soundly and feel better overall.
What Is Obstructive Sleep Apnea?
OSA is often a cause of loud snoring, but it can also create a variety of other symptoms, such as fatigue, drowsiness, problems concentrating and even irritability. It has also been shown to contribute to depression. Medically, OSA can also be responsible for increasing blood pressure, and increasing a person’s risk of developing other heart-related problems and health concerns.
How Can a Dentist Help Treat the Condition?
Fortunately, treatment for OSA can often be surprisingly simple. Rather than relying on cumbersome Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) machines, many dentists are able to help patients overcome their OSA with a device similar to a customized mouthguard, the kind that might be recommended for orthodontic treatment or even athletic events.
However a sleep appliance is designed to keep the soft tissues free from the airway, allowing for continuous breathing as one sleeps. To determine if a SomnoDent Sleep Appliance could be an effective treatment for you, speak with your dentist.
About Your Spring, TX, Sleep Experts:
At Stephens and Gatewood Dentistry, located in Spring, TX, we proudly deliver modern, quality dental care in a welcoming, comfortable environment to patients and families throughout the community. We also offer customized, expert sleep solutions to help you alleviate snoring and sleep apnea symptoms. Though we are located in Spring, we also welcome patients from Houston, The Woodlands, Tomball, Cypress, and all surrounding communities. To schedule a consultation with one of our experts, call Stephens and Gatewood Dentistry today at 281-320-2000. Se Habla Espanol!
